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Our Teachers

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Leigh Elliot A(Dip)CSA-CICB (Cert IV)

Principal of Dare 2 Dance

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Miss Leigh began her dance training at the age of five in Durban, South Africa under the guidance of Kerry Barends. 



Miss Leigh completed all of her Cecchetti method ballet examinations before pursuing a professional career in dancing spanning over seven years. 

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After completion of her teachers exams in Cecchetti ballet as well as Imperial modern, Miss Leigh opened her own dance studio in South Africa known as 'Leigh Tomich School of Dance'. She ran this highly successful studio for over 13 years before immigrating to Australia with her young family in 1996. 



Dare 2 Dance was first opened by MIss Leigh in 1997, commencing with just 20 students. Today, Dare 2 Dance continues to grow from strength strength and has over 260 students pursuing their love for dance and following in the footsteps of previous students who have forged successful international dancing careers. 

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Sarah Chislett A(Dip)CSA-CICB (Cert IV)

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Miss Sarah began teaching 2013 at Dare 2 Dance after completing her Cecchetti Ballet Associate Diploma & her Bachelor of Education. Having been a part of the Dare 2 Dance community since the early years, Miss Sarah had the privilege of learning from the exceptional Leigh Elliot, whose mentorship has greatly influenced their teaching philosophy.In addition to teaching,

 

Miss Sarah has ventured into the world of choreography and artistic direction, receiving nominations for Best Choreography in Saint Stephen College's Musical Productions, including Grease, Seussical Jnr, and Mamma Mia. 

 

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Natalie Keevers Cert IV in Dance & Fitness

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Natalie Keevers is a versatile experienced teacher/aerialist/dancer and entertainer. With over 15 years of training and professional experience. Natalie loves to share her passion and experiences with students.

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* She has travelled the world on multiple international and local contracts working with Angelis Productions at Sunway Lagoon Malaysia 

* Ocean Park Hong Kong

* Jupiters Casino on the Gold Coast  

* Aerial Angels in China

* Norwegian Cruise Lines as a production cast Dancer

* Currently performing in Broadbeach at The Pink Flamingo Spiegeclub 'Sauve'

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Brooke Thompson  Cert IV in Dance & Fitness

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Brooke has just recently completed 2 years of full-time dance training at Ikin Dance on the Gold Coast under the guidance of incredible teachers from all over the globe. 

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Brooke has a strong passion for Hip Hop and Commercial Jazz and strives to help her students grow and become the best, most versatile dancers they can be.

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Some of Brooke's achievements include:

* Cert III in fitness

* Gold Coast Titans Cheerleader

* Backup dancer for Havana Brown

* Backup dancer for Brooke Evers

* Backup dancer for Will Sparks

* Performances for international companies such as Isagenix, Puma Energy, EB Games and many more.

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Nickolas Mills Fulltime Training 

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Nickolas Mills joins us off the back of a dance contract with Norwegian Cruise Lines. With 13 years dance experience we are excited to have him as part of our Dare 2 Dance staff, passing on his knowledge of dance and performing to our young dancers he will be an asset to our D2D family. 

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Some of his many achievements include:

* Norwegian Cruise Line – Production Cast Dancer, 2018

* Full-Time Dance Training at Ikin Dance Australia, 2017 

* E.B Games 20th Anniversary Gala Dinner- dancer, 2017 

* Dreamworld Australia – Dancer (Jazz, Commercial Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap), 2016 to present

* Dreamworld Australia – Suit Character Performer (DreamWorks), 2016 to present

* Dreamworld Australia – Scare Actor (Sudden Impact Productions), 2016 to present

* Dance Teacher – A.B Patterson College, 2017 to 2018

* Dance Teacher – Showbiz Express Circus and Dance, 2016 to 2017

* Red Boot Hoot in 2014, 2015, 2016(Ronald McDonald Foundation).

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Suzanne Lewis 

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Suzanne is a seasoned dance instructor with a rich background in the world of performing arts. Her journey began at a prestigious Musical Theatre school in London when she was just 16. Continuing her education at Reading Theatre Arts in the UK, she earned her ISTD teaching qualifications in dance.

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As a professional dancer, Suzanne's talents took her around the globe, performing on international cruise ships and in Cabaret. She holds a Certificate in Education from the University of Northampton, UK, and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40116).

Suzanne specializes in ballet, tap, jazz, and Musical Theatre dance styles. Her choreography work spans Musical Theatre productions, fashion shows, corporate events, commercial videos, and Gay Pride celebrations. In the UK, she successfully owned and managed her own dance academy, catering to students aged 4 to 21.

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Notably, Suzanne designed, created, and led a thriving two-year Musical Theatre course at a college in the UK for 23 years. Her students achieved nationally recognized qualifications, and many have gone on to flourish in careers on cruise ships, television productions, and professional performances on London's West End.

 

With a deep passion for teaching and a commitment to her students' well-being, Suzanne is a dedicated and inspiring dance educator.

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Angelina Hood

Angelina started to dance as soon as she learnt how to walk, enrolling in dance classes at Dare 2 Dance at the age of 3. Her love and passion for dance has since grown with her, swapping those tiny, ballet slippers for pointe shoes and now teaching shoes. Angelina has always demonstrated a passion for dancing and performing, holding the National Title for her Tap solo in 2019 & 2020. She has trained in many genres, Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Acro and Glee. Angelina has excelled in her major Ballet and Contemporary exams, competed in D2D’s Performance Troupes since Junior School and completed her Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management in 2019. Angelina was Dance Captain for Saint Stephens College school musical Grease in 2020.

Angelina has also performed on stage in Disneyworld, Florida with Dare 2 Dance on the 2016 USA Tour. She has completed various workshops, auditions and dance classes in LA, and throughout Queensland. 

 

Angelina is currently studying for her Cecchetti Associate Diploma and her Bachelor of Primary Education. A few of Angelina's achievements include:

  • Multiple State/National Dance Champion Team Titles (2013-2021)

  • Performed a half time show for a rugby grand final (2021)

  • AFL Grand Final QLD- dancer (2020)

  • Dare 2 Dance Showtime- (2007-2020)

  • Dare 2 Dance Excellent and Commitment to dance awards (2020)

  • Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Business Management (2019)

  • Cecchetti Ballet- Pre primary- Intermediate Level (2009-2018)

  • Brisbane Lord Mayors Christmas Carol- dancer (2018)

  • ATOD Contemporary- Level 4/5 (2017/2018)

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Cara Vey

Cara joined Dare 2 Dance in 2008 as a 5 years old Prep student and continued her dance training through Dare 2 Dance until she graduated Year 12 at SSC. Since graduating, Cara has remained a part of the D2D family by becoming a teacher and sharing her passion and talent with the next generation of young dancers. Cara has trained in a variety of styles such as Ballet, completing her intermediate exam, Contemporary, completing her level 5-6 exams, Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop, Cheer, Aerobics, Lyrical and competitive performance troupes.

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Her Achievements include:

* Cert III Fitness

* Cecchetti Ballet exam Grade 6, result Honours 

* Cecchetti Ballet Intermediate Ballet Exam, result Honours

* ATOD Contemporary, L5 and L6 Examination, result Honours with distinction 

* Queensland Ballet Summer School Program 2018

* Disneyland Performance and workshop 2016, 2018

* Sanctuary Cove Boat Show promotional work for Torrens Luxury Collection 2021

* AFL Grand Final Dancer 2020

* The Pink Flamingo performance charity event, Contemporary solo

* Podium Dancer, The YOT Club, The MET, Lunar Electric, Arcade Nightclub

* Backup dancer, The Jungle Giants

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Mckenzie Ecob Cert IV in Dance Teaching and Management

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Mckenzie joined Dare 2 Dance in 2007 and attended classes until her final year of schooling at Saint Stephens College in 2018.

She has trained in many genres such as Cecchetti Ballet (up to Advanced 1), Jazz, Contemporary (ATOD to Level 5), Tap, Lyrical, Acro, Cheer, Aerobics and Glee/Musical Theatre. In 2017 Mckenzie was awarded Dancer of the show and in 2018 she was also recognised for her performing and awarded a unique opportunity to perform at Movie World. Mckenzie has also performed on stage in Disneyland California with Dare 2 Dance on the 2018 USA Tour. She has completed various workshops and dance classes in LA, Sydney and throughout Queensland. 

In 2020 Mckenzie will study fulltime dance with Global Dance Pro and will cheer on the Gold Coast Titans as she joins the Sirens Reserve Cheer Squad.  

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A list of Mckenzie's achievements include: 

* Rockwear, Store Opening - Dancer - Coomera Westfield  (2018) 

* Commonwealth Games - Dancer, Opening Ceremony (2018) 

* Dare 2 Dance - Showtime "Dancer Of The Show"  (2017) 

* Movie World Backstage Performance Team Experience  (2017 and 2019) 

* National School Aerobics Competition runner up in Glee Audition (2018) 

* Multiple State/National Dance Champion Team Titles (2014 - 2018 ) 

* Cecchetti Ballet - Intermediate Level (2017) (Studying Adv.) 

* Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Business Management (2018) 

* Dare 2 Dance Showtime - (2007 - 2018) 

 * Global Dance Pro - Full Time Course (2020) 

* Sirens Cheerleading - Reserves team (2020) 

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Brogan Elliot  

Choreographer

Miss Brogan was born into the dancing world. She began her career in dance in nappies and under the direction of her mum. Throughout her 21 years of dancing, Miss Brogan was trained and taught by Miss Leigh in classical ballet, jazz, tap, modern and hip-hop. A few of Miss Brogan's achievements are highlighted below. 



* Winner of the Qld Cecchetti Harold Colins Shield 

* Winner of the Qld Cecchetti Bronze Medal 

* Two time winner of the Qld Cecchetti Silver Medal 

* Winner of the Qld Aerobics State Championship  (Group)

* Qld representative at the National Aerobics SchoolaerobicsCompetition 

* Qld representative at the National Hip-Hop Schoolaerobics Championship

* National Champion - Jazz section (2013)

* National Runner up - Lyrical section (2013)

* Brisbane Broncos and Gold Coast Titans cheerleader 

* Promotional dancer  (GC 600, Indy,  nightclubs and corporate events)

* Dreamworld dancer and performer 

* Cecchetti ballet exams through to Advanced 1

* Imperial Modern syllabus exams through to Intermediate 

* Imperial Tap syllabus exams through to intermediate 

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